Belgium Names Lukaku to World Cup Squad Despite Injury
SkimNews Take
A national team's World Cup selection prioritizes potential future availability and the psychological impact of veteran presence over current match fitness, even for key players.
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- Romelu Lukaku was named in Belgium's 26‑man World Cup squad despite having played only an hour of competitive football this season and being sidelined by a hamstring injury.
- Rudi Garcia kept the 33‑year‑old striker in the squad, giving him a chance to appear in his fourth successive World Cup alongside Thibaut Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel.
- Matias Fernandez‑Pardo was added as a forward cover after pledging his international allegiance to Belgium, replacing the less‑used Juventus forward Lois Openda.
- Zeno Debast made the squad as a defender despite an injury sustained in training.
- Belgium will face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in Group G, with their matches scheduled in the United States and Canada.
Why it matters: Belgium’s gamble on an out‑of‑form Lukaku gives the Red Devils a veteran goal threat but risks limited match sharpness, affecting their Group G odds and potential tournament progress.
